Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, and early detection is key. The Sandra & Malcolm Berman Comprehensive Breast Care Center at GBMC treats nearly 2,500 breast cancer patients each year. Our new state-of-the-art breast center offers the latest in digital mammography, genetic testing, and breast surgery techniques. "Advancements in breast surgery have made a tremendous impact on outcomes," Sara Fogarty, DO, FACS, Director of the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Comprehensive Breast Care Center at GBMC HealthCare, said. "Surgery can be scary but our medical team, including our dedicated nurse navigators, collaborate on a plan for each patient that is the least invasive and most effective as possible. "I am by nature a positive person and the team at GBMC walked through my cancer journey with me the whole way. They believed me," Jewel Allen, a former patient, said. At GBMC, we're more than just healthcare providers. We're your team. At GBMC, we face cancer, together.
In September 2021, GBMC broke ground on The Promise Project, which will bring two historic advancements to GBMC—the Louis and Phyllis Friedman Building, a new main entrance and inpatient facility, and the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion, the new home of the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC. These initiatives will not only modernize GBMC’s facilities but extend our promise for generations to come. Thoughtful planning has been at the core of the project since its inception, with teams carefully considering how to design the new facilities to best meet the needs of patients, their loved ones, and staff. Now, as construction on the first component—the Louis and Phyllis Friedman Building—nears completion, operational readiness teams, led by Rebecca Stover, MSN, RN, PMP, Director of Project Management at GBMC HealthCare, are focusing on the essential details to ensure smooth transitions for patients and staff. These teams are hard at work, performing studies to address the day-to-day needs and processes necessary to run the building’s two 30-bed medicine/telemetry units. The studies are helping them identify staffing needs, understand room-cleaning turnover times, order the proper quantities of supplies, and develop workflows for departments such as transport and critical care. They are determining the most efficient and safest routes to-and-from the units in the event of rapid response emergencies and more. In addition to finalizing the overarching day-to-day needs and processes, meticulous pre-planning is under way for the relocation of patients from the old units to the new units on November 14. The end goal is to do so with minimal disruption to patients and staff. Leading these intricate move-in plans is Cate O’Connor-Devlin, MSN, RN, Director of Emergency Preparedness, Safety, and Security, who is collaborating with a cross-functional team of unit coordinators, nurses, transporters, greeters, and the Incident Command Center. "Though many of us have managed or participated in unit relocations before, a transition of this magnitude is unique," O'Connor-Devlin said. "Fortunately, insights from past, smaller transitions will help us anticipate needs and execute changes seamlessly, aiming to reduce stress for patients and staff." Administrative coordinators play a pivotal role in pre-planning. "Coordinators will assess unit needs and ensure units relocating have a low census on November 14," she said. "If other non-impacted units have beds available, patients will be assigned there. If patients are ready to be discharged, we’ll prioritize discharging them before the Friedman Building move to minimize unnecessary transfers." Patients will be categorized by complexity, allowing the transport team to foresee logistical challenges. Transfers will align with nurse assignments, meaning patients under the care of the same nurse will move to the building at the same time, in a coordinated manner. Clear communication with patients and their loved ones throughout the process will be key, with at least one guest accompanying the patient during the move and becoming familiar with the new unit. Both the original and receiving (new) units will have dedicated team coordinators and resource nurses throughout move-in day. This will ensure seamless patient flow from the original unit until their designated move-in time, while newcomers to the new unit receive proper support. Although support will be plentiful during and after the move, teams will receive training and orientation in October before patients arrive to help familiarize them with the advanced equipment and prepare them to safely care for patients in the new space. An actual transport trial run is planned for October to gauge realistic time frames on how long it takes to move patients from unit to unit. “We are excited to be getting closer to the opening of the new state-of-the-art units and the Grand Opening of the Louis and Phyllis Friedman Building,” O'Connor-Devlin said. “The design and amenities go a long way toward ensuring we can offer the type of care we would want for our loved ones while also enhancing the experience of staff.”
For 40 years and four days, Don Scott helped the Baltimore community make sense of what was happening in its neighborhoods. As the lead anchor alongside Marty Bass on WJZ’s morning news show, he informed and entertained, serving as a smiling face to start each morning. Now, Baltimoreans see that same face in the halls of their favorite hospital. Instead of helping them navigate court cases or traffic patterns, he helps navigate the halls of GBMC. But his favorite part of volunteering at GBMC is turning people around. “People come into the hospital looking at the floor and they’re thinking about what they have going on,” Scott said. “I say, ‘Can I help you find something?’ They key in on the voice, look up and then they smile. We talk and we take selfies. And then they walk to their appointment thinking, ‘This is fun!’” Scott began volunteering at GBMC a year after he retired from television news. He knew he wanted to volunteer at a hospital and remembered GBMC from his reporting days. Any time WJZ needed a doctor to serve as an expert on a news item, he knew he could count on a GBMC physician. It also happens to be his community hospital. “My parents wanted a doctor, and this is the closest I’ve gotten to it,” he joked. After eight years serving as a greeter, Scott added the title of GBMC Volunteer Auxiliary President to his resume. After serving as vice president for two years and learning from his predecessor Rick Pierce, Scott assumed the presidency in June 2023. “GBMC does a lot of things right when it comes to volunteers,” Scott said. “They pay attention to us first and foremost. They show appreciation with little favors or lunches, things like that. And Carmen [Baeza, Director of Volunteer Services] also has this unique ability to find someone the perfect fit and that makes the experience of volunteering that much more rewarding.” As a greeter, Scott often stands at the main entrance, welcoming and directing patients and visitors when they enter the hospital. Since construction for The Promise Project began, that role has taken on a new level of service. Volunteers recently played a vital role when construction work required the closure of a portion of the hospital’s main corridor. Visitors had to go up one elevator and down another to bypass construction and get back on track. Without the help of efficient and patient volunteers like Scott, they could have been confused and disoriented. Even with the small inconveniences construction has brought on, Scott looks forward to the Louis and Phyllis Friedman Building and the new main entrance. “I get to visit a lot of people in the current, small rooms. The size of the new rooms is going to be fantastic,” Scott said. “The open space of the atrium, that’s going to really help patient and visitor morale. As nice as the old main entrance was, the ceilings were low and with the new atrium, the proximity of things you need being close, will be a satisfier.” Scott and his wife of 51 years, Deborah, even made a gift to support the project because they “wanted to be a part of it.” Resuming greeting duties in the new main entrance will be different, but Scott will still be making people smile and setting them on the right path for their day, just like he did when he was on air. Another part of his volunteering — and also part of why he loved being a local news anchor — is what he gains from the experience. “You won’t believe what you get out of volunteering,” Scott said. “Helping someone, even in a little way, just makes you feel good.”
My journey into nursing was anything but conventional. I initially started out in the world of finance, studying it in college and even working at Wells Fargo for a couple of years. Back then, as a young college student, I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted to do with my life, but I knew I was good with numbers. It helped that my brother was also in finance, so it seemed like a natural path to follow. However, as time went on, I knew deep down that it wasn't quite what I wanted to do with my life. I've always had a strong interest in science, the intricacies of the human body, and the "how" and "why" behind it all. This curiosity led me to have a conversation with a friend's mom who happened to be a nurse. I wanted to get some perspective about the field of nursing, to understand if it might be the right fit for me. That conversation proved to be a turning point. Inspired by what I learned, I decided to embark on a nursing path with the goal of eventually becoming a Nurse Practitioner (NP). The expanded scope of practice that comes with being an NP was appealing to me. Sophia Moradi, CRNP I started my nursing career at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, where I worked with the kidney and liver transplant program. I found myself genuinely enjoying the work and the impact I was making on patients' lives. Afterward, I pursued further education and became an NP at the University of Maryland. But then, I made a shift to the community hospital setting in my current role at GBMC, and I have to say, I really like it here. It's a place where you get to know everyone, both the people you work with and the patients. I can say "hi" to anybody I pass in the hallway, and it creates a sense of closeness and connection that's truly special. I've always been passionate about health promotion, fitness, and health education. I believe in practicing what I preach, trying to eat well, working out, and taking good care of myself. I try to instill these principles upon my patients, encouraging them to become their best selves and achieve a healthy state before they even came into the hospital. Perhaps the most eye-opening experience from my nursing journey was my medical mission trip to Tanzania. I spent a month working with patients in two different small communities in Tanzania, meeting with patient after patient for long hours. We addressed general community health issues, and it was incredible to see how much a visit from a healthcare provider meant to them. Something as simple as providing glasses to those suffering from headaches due to poor vision made a world of difference. Nursing has given me the opportunity to make a real impact on people's lives, and I'm grateful for the path that led me here. Transitioning into a new career can be intimidating, especially when you're surrounded by people who have been doing it for years. But one thing I've learned is not to be afraid to ask questions. It's how we learn and grow. Don't hesitate to seek knowledge and educate yourself on something you're unfamiliar with. We all come into this field with different experiences and backgrounds, and that diversity is what makes the healthcare community so rich and dynamic.
In our unwavering pursuit of nursing excellence at GBMC, we continually explore innovative ways to empower our nursing staff, deliver top-notch patient care, and cultivate a culture of inquiry and constant improvement. Playing a pivotal role in these transformative initiatives is Ashley Bandurchin, MSN, RN, CCRN, CSSGB, EBP-C, CENP, our Assistant Director of Professional Practice, Education, & Research. Nurse Residency Program: Cultivating Nursing Leaders Our Nurse Residency Program, accredited as a Practice Transition Accreditation Program (PTAP) by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), stands as a cornerstone of our commitment to nurturing nursing talent. This 1-year program primarily emphasizes professionalism, aiming to produce well-rounded, clinically competent, and confident nurses. Ashley highlights the program's focus on equipping nurses to navigate the ever-evolving non-clinical challenges in healthcare, including new staffing models, rising patient acuity, and the post-pandemic healthcare landscape. "We also seize this opportunity to introduce incoming nurses to the concept of evidence-based practice," Ashley adds. Throughout their residency year at GBMC, nurses are encouraged to foster a "spirit of inquiry." This mindset encourages continuous improvement, where their fresh perspectives may trigger positive change on our units. Ashley elaborates, "We inspire them to ask questions like 'why are we doing this?' and 'is this best practice?'" An exciting change in the program is the appointment of Michelle Hopson, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, as the new Nurse Residency Clinical Program Manager. Michelle plays a pivotal role in ensuring the curriculum remains relevant to the unique challenges new graduate nurses face today. New nurses also have opportunities to engage with Angie Feurer, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer, to provide candid feedback about their GBMC experience. Furthermore, a formal mentorship program is being piloted with nurse residency cohorts, a part of the Doctor of Nursing Practice work led by Kate Jones, MSN, RNC, Assistant Director of Perioperative, Endoscopy, & Interventional Radiology Nursing Services. Nursing Onboarding: An Immersive Journey In January 2023, we introduced a significant overhaul of our nursing and nursing support orientation. "We streamlined all aspects of nursing and nursing support orientation into one comprehensive process," Ashley explains. This change ensures that as nurses transition roles at GBMC, they no longer need to repeat steps, making orientation a seamless one-stop-shop experience that fully immerses new nurses in our organization. But this isn't just about administrative processes. Orientation now incorporates interactive learning activities such as icebreakers and an innovative Escape Room experience, fostering teamwork, communication, and professionalism. "Our participants have overwhelmingly praised these changes," Ashley notes. "The Escape Room, in particular, has been a tremendous success, offering a fun and interactive lesson on the significance of teamwork." Nurse Practice Council: Advocating for Nursing Excellence Recently revitalized with representation from every inpatient area at GBMC, the Nurse Practice Council serves as the unified voice of nursing. It tackles clinical issues faced by bedside nurses, drives evidence-based changes, and enhances joy among our frontline staff. The council plays a vital role in evaluating changes, including Epic updates, new products, and organizational rollouts. It also focuses on identifying practice issues and concerns throughout the organization, employing evidence-based methodologies to propose recommendations. Beyond addressing concerns and considering proposed changes, the council is committed to enhancing the joy of our nursing teams and boosting employee engagement. Recent activities like "Crazy Sock Day" and the Back-to-School Supplies Drive illustrate this commitment. "We're excited to keep propelling positive changes that pave the way for an even brighter future for nursing at GBMC," Ashley says.
GBMC Health Partners is pleased to offer walk-up flu vaccinations for its primary care and specialty care patients beginning Saturday, September 23 at GBMC Health Partners Primary Care - Padonia (63 E. Padonia Rd, Suite 100). This flu vaccine program is open to all patients of GBMC Health Partners over the age of 6 and will take place through October. Appointments are required. IMPORTANT: Vaccines for Medicaid patients between 6-18 years of age are not available at the walk-up vaccination clinic. Please contact your Primary Care Physician’s office to schedule. Hours of operation are: Saturday, September 23, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sunday, September 24, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, September 30, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sunday, October 1, 8 – 11:45 a.m. Saturday, October 7, 7 – 10 a.m. Sunday, October 8, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, October 14, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sunday, October 15, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, October 21, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sunday, October 22, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Saturday, October 28, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Sunday, October 29, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. There are two options for scheduling your walk-up vaccination:Schedule using your MyChart account - you can view instructions hereCall your Primary Care Physician's officeWe will bill your insurance for the cost of the vaccine. Important notes!Please bring your insurance card and a photo ID.Wear short sleeves.We hope all of our patients will take advantage of this convenient opportunity to walk up and get their flu vaccinations!
Dr. Whitehead, MD, talks with Ericka Dixon about the basics of gastroenterology including what it is, what are some common digestion problems, how it's diagnosed and treated, and the latest advances in gastroenterology.
When dealing with an illness or a disease, medications are often necessary to help the body return to its healthiest state. “Many people are aware of routine medications—things that control blood pressure, high cholesterol, or antibiotics,” says Yuliya Klopouh, M.H., Pharm.D, Executive Director of Pharmacy Services at GBMC HealthCare. “You can get those from any local pharmacy and they’re readily available.” But there’s a unique category of medications, called specialty drugs, that are used to treat complex, chronic conditions like cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. “These types of medications require specific handling, special instructions, and/or may need to be administered by a medical professional,” explains Dr. Klopouh. “There is also often an exorbitantly high cost associated with these medications, which can make accessibility and affordability a struggle for some patients.” GBMC is taking a novel approach to specialty pharmacy in a hospital setting. “Most hospitals have a retail pharmacy within the building and then add a specialty pharmacy within the retail setting. We have set up a specialty pharmacy within GBMC that’s sole purpose is to serve our patients who need help accessing these types of medications.” Dr. Klopouh says the specialty pharmacy program was set up in parallel with the financial advocacy program, which allows patients to get medications much faster and spend less time worrying about the associated costs. “As soon as a prescription is given, the specialty pharmacy starts working on all the financial pieces that are required. Most patients can get their medications within hours, days at the most, whereas others using a retail pharmacy might have to wait weeks. And if they can’t afford it, they won’t take it.” Easing the emotional and financial burden from patients is at the forefront of the specialty pharmacy program. Dr. Klopouh says oncology patients make up the majority of the population utilizing the specialty pharmacy program but adds that it’s available to anyone who needs it. “They won’t have to worry about where they’re going to get it, or how they’re going to get it, or how will they afford it, which is the biggest thing.” Patient advocacy is the primary focus of every program at GBMC, and Dr. Klopouh want patients to know there are people working for them throughout every step of their journey. But she stresses it’s up to the patient to communicate any questions or concerns they have. “Don’t be quiet about what you need. We always attempt to be proactive and advocate for patients, but if you need assistance, ask, and it will be provided for you.”
GBMC’s Simulation Innovation Learning Center has expanded greatly since it was opened as a Simulation Lab in 2012, following generous donations from the LaVerna Hahn Charitable Trust, The Middendorf Foundation, and The Women's Hospital Foundation. Located in South Chapman, the Center began with four main components: A skills lab, where clinicians could practice tasks, such as starting IVs, taking blood pressure and monitoring other vital signs A high-fidelity inpatient room used for Med Surg, ICU, and ED A labor and delivery room, in which various mother/baby scenarios could be practiced A debrief room, where participants could watch videos of their training sessions and discuss what they learned In 2018, thanks to additional funding from The Women’s Hospital Foundation, Inc., GBMC Volunteer Auxiliary, and Rosenthal-Statter Foundation, Inc., the lab underwent a significant expansion to become the Simulation Innovation Learning Center as we know it today. Now, in addition to a skills lab and debrief rooms, the Center features multiple other replica rooms created to imitate real-life GBMC HealthCare settings, including the Emergency Department, post-anesthesia care unit, a standard inpatient room, critical care room, mother/baby suite, outpatient physician office, consultation space, and an operating room. The rooms are designed to look exactly like the rooms within the health system that they depict, down to the finest detail, including type of doors and medical equipment available to bathrooms and ceiling lifts. The simulations and actions of the high-fidelity manikins are steered in a large control room by Deborah Higgins, DNP, RN, CHSE, Simulation Manager & AHA Training Center Coordinator, and her team. “I call the control room ‘Oz’ because that’s where the magic happens,” Deb explains. "As you can imagine, because the Center is inclusive of so many different types of settings, more teams from a variety of specialties are now able to train here,” she says, adding that the newest group is anesthesiology. Interns and residents utilize the space as part of their education, which includes rapid response code training and ICU bootcamp. Cadaver labs are even offered. And, at times, trained volunteers are brought in to act as patients to provide workplace violence training or to offer practice caring for patients exhibiting behavioral or cognitive challenges. In medical training, there is a common saying: “See one, do one, teach one.” The Simulation Innovation Learning Center gives staff the opportunity to practice (i.e., “do one”) in a safe – yet realistic – setting before having to react to unexpected or challenging situations in real life for the first time. “It is extremely rewarding to run into people who have trained in the Center and hear that the simulation they participated in helped prepare them for something they experienced in their work area afterward,” says Deb. “Knowing that the work we do is helping our teams help patients in rapid time and feel more confident at the bedside shows that our simulations are making an important impact in the quality of our care and outcomes for our patients.”
Maryland’s largest comprehensive community cancer program is growing. In recent months, two more oncologists have joined the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute, drawn by GBMC’s reputation for excellent clinical care that puts patients first. Dr. David Gottlieb has joined the medical oncology staff and Dr. Rebecca M. Dodson is the newest surgeon in the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Comprehensive Breast Care Center. Dr. Gottlieb specializes in hematology, and he began seeing patients of the Berman Cancer Institute in September. “GBMC is the place for oncology,” he said. "The program has a reputation for quality, not just for patient outcomes and clinical trials, but overall patient care.” He also appreciates the organization’s track record for keeping oncologists on board and the "range of career depth." Among his new colleagues, some new to the field, as he is, and others have been treating patients for years. Beyond what he can learn from established oncologists, it’s good to know others have spent their careers at the Berman Cancer Institute. As confident as Dr. Gottlieb is that he has “found his people” here, he wasn’t always certain he would dedicate his career to cancer. His first step into the field was tentative and one he took to face his fears of working with patients with such a daunting diagnosis. When, as a third-year medical student, he worked in a small oncology practice in Saratoga Springs, he was surprised to find the work “uplifting, hopeful." "The relationship with patients is different,” he said. “We’re on the same team, fighting a common enemy. I tell my patients, ‘You’re the captain of your own ship,’” likening his own role to that of a navigator, presenting patients with treatment options and discussing their goals. For Dr. Gottlieb, medical oncology offers both the rewards of patient care and the challenges of rapidly evolving science. Treatment options that have reduced side effects and a better range of supportive care are turning some cancer cases into something akin to chronic disease. At the Berman Cancer Institute, he has found a professional home that provides challenge and reward. Dr. Dodson has been a surgical oncologist elsewhere in the region. Having worked with the director of the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Comprehensive Breast Care Center, Sara P. Fogarty, DO, FACS, before, Dr. Dodson knew when she arrived in January that she was joining a successful practice. “I think this team is very strong,” she said. The design of the Center was also appealing. “It’s nice to have radiology support, same-day ultrasound and mammogram,” she added. “Just walking down the hall, getting to talk to the radiologist right away, is amazing.” Before she was aware of the position opening at GBMC, she referred a patient with a mass in the breast to GBMC because the treatment he needed would begin within days, rather than weeks. Now she’s in a position to deliver that care herself. Dr. Dodson began her career planning to work in medical research. She found she wasn’t happy working in a lab, so during the year between college and medical school, she volunteered at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland. It inspired her to pursue surgery. “I realized I could handle other people’s blood,” she laughed, “just not my own.” Since then, she has seen cancer care from just about every perspective. Halfway through her first year of medical school, she was treated for a tumor. “That’s why I decided to do oncology and surgery,” she said. She missed one final exam, recovered during the break and was back in the classroom for her second semester. Her turn as a patient caregiver came when Dr. Dodson’s mother was treated for Crohn’s disease at GBMC. The surgical and recovery care she received was everything they hoped for. Dr. Dodson doesn’t necessarily tell her patients or their families she has been through these experiences, recognizing a cancer diagnosis—and the response to it—is highly individual. “I understand that you’re like a normal person one day and they next, you’re like, ‘Oh my God! My body is plotting against itself.’” If she thinks it can help her patient, she’ll let them know. Like her new colleagues, Dr. Dodson is guided by science and what’s best for her patients.
<div> <p paraid="1339852702" paraeid="{4c146ba0-7282-41e1-be4e-7fe74a608aa4}{205}"> <span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US"></span><span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US">Three years ago, Holly Thorn became the first Outpatient Nurse Navigator for GBMC’s Interventional Radiology (IR) service, creating a new system for caring for patients. Today, no one can imagine the program without her. In fact, IR now has an Inpatient Nurse Navigator, as well. And other hospitals are trying to learn from this example. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> </p> </div> <div> </div> <div> <p paraid="14400700" paraeid="{4c146ba0-7282-41e1-be4e-7fe74a608aa4}{225}"> <span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US">Before IR had Nurse Navigators, no</span><span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US"> one with a medical background was on hand to resolve the logistical details that needed to be aligned before a procedure. </span> </p> <p paraid="14400700" paraeid="{4c146ba0-7282-41e1-be4e-7fe74a608aa4}{225}"> <span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US">“The patient would get down here, not even realizing anybody had put an order in for them to have a procedure,” Thorn recalled. “It was frustrating for us, scary and frustrating for them. It was just not the kind of care GBMC strives to provide for its patients."</span> </p> </div> <div> <p paraid="884590209" paraeid="{6f8112b5-4c65-4095-a8d8-f222896f72ac}{38}"> <span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US">Thorn presented program managers with a proposal for making a change. The role she designed begins with scheduling the patient for a procedure and continues through as much follow-up as the patient needs. They tested the effectiveness of providing Nurse Navigator services to IR patients, saw the results, and added the position. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> </p> </div> <div> <p paraid="1443649657" paraeid="{6f8112b5-4c65-4095-a8d8-f222896f72ac}{60}"> <span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US">Logistics are only the beginning. As their Nurse Navigator, Thorn can explain procedures to patients and help them understand what will be happening. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> </p> </div> <div> <p paraid="840273284" paraeid="{6f8112b5-4c65-4095-a8d8-f222896f72ac}{80}"> <span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US">While many patients, especially cancer patients, are treated by the IR team, the work is not widely understood. </span> </p> <p paraid="840273284" paraeid="{6f8112b5-4c65-4095-a8d8-f222896f72ac}{80}"> <span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US">“When you say interventional radiology, no one knows what we do. I had no idea what interventional radiology was when I came to work here,” Thorn said. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> </p> </div> <div> <p paraid="1734086385" paraeid="{6f8112b5-4c65-4095-a8d8-f222896f72ac}{88}"> <span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US">When a patient needs a biopsy for diagnosis, a port for chemotherapy, or a drain to relieve excessive fluid around their lungs, usually an interventional radiologist performs that procedure. </span> </p> <p paraid="1734086385" paraeid="{6f8112b5-4c65-4095-a8d8-f222896f72ac}{88}"> <span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US">“Once they arrive in IR,” Thorn said, “they realize they are in good hands. We have a dedicated team of excellent, compassionate clinicians.” </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> </p> </div> <div> <p paraid="699826465" paraeid="{6f8112b5-4c65-4095-a8d8-f222896f72ac}{122}"> <span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US">Most patients need help understanding their cancer diagnosis or adjusting to life with a port or a drain. As Nurse Navigator, Thorn is in touch with them from the moment she schedules their procedure, explaining each step of the way. She not only clears any logistical hurdles, such as pre-procedure lab tests, but, more importantly, she also helps to ease their fears. And if the patient is going home with a port or a drain, she remains in touch, checking on their progress and answering their questions. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> </p> </div> <div> <p paraid="578995298" paraeid="{6f8112b5-4c65-4095-a8d8-f222896f72ac}{198}"> <span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US">Patients appreciate her compassion and clear communication. Her colleagues rely on her clinical expertise and knowledge, as well as her agility in solving problems as they arise. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> </p> </div> <div> <p paraid="464588888" paraeid="{6f8112b5-4c65-4095-a8d8-f222896f72ac}{212}"> <span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US">It is expertise she gained as an emergency and critical care nurse before joining the IR team. And it is knowledge she has continued to build, in her practice and by continuing her education. Last May, Thorn completed a master's degree in Nursing, in Population-Based Care Coordination. She and her husband both opted to pursue master’s degrees at about the same time. He finished his in December. </span> </p> </div> <div> <p paraid="32456541" paraeid="{dffcfd46-a463-4a9a-bfbe-8a281ad5c69b}{25}"> <span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US">With their schedules now a bit freer, the couple has more time for hiking and exploring area brew pubs with their American Husky (American Eskimo) puppy. They’ve also made travel plans for the first time in a few years. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> </p> </div> <div> <p paraid="2121431244" paraeid="{dffcfd46-a463-4a9a-bfbe-8a281ad5c69b}{55}"> <span data-contrast="auto" xml:lang="EN-US">Having created a new position, earned her master's, and expanded on the care the IR team provides for patients, Thorn might be overdue for some travel. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> </p> </div> <div> <p paraid="832217982" paraeid="{dffcfd46-a463-4a9a-bfbe-8a281ad5c69b}{77}"> <span data-contrast="none" xml:lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":160,"335559740":259}"> </span> </p> </div>
Ron Freeman Ron Freeman spent 40 years of his professional career in IT but was serving his fourth year as regional director of Special Olympics Maryland when the pandemic hit. He retired but knew he needed something to fill his days. GBMC wasn’t accepting volunteers at the time, but he was dogged, checking back every few days to see when applications would become available. “I have a good friend who is a longtime volunteer at GBMC, and she always raved about how wonderful an experience it was,” Ron said. “As soon as I was able, I jumped on it. At the same time I began at GBMC, I also started another volunteer gig somewhere else. I did not get the same level of satisfaction from that job as I was receiving at GBMC, so I asked for an additional assignment.” You can find Ron in the Infusion Center one day a week and serving as a patient ambassador in the inpatient units another day. He enjoys feeling like he is providing a positive experience for the people he interacts with. Let’s get to know Ron! What makes you laugh? Stephen Colbert when he fakes vomiting. What is the last gift you gave? A scarf at the GBMC Gift Shop. It was an anniversary gift for my wife, and she hasn’t returned it, but she hasn’t taken the tag off either so not sure how that will turn out. What is your go-to song you could play over and over? The Beatles’ “In My Life” Is there any clothing or tend you wish would come back into fashion? The trend of wearing sweatpants all day every day, which really hit its peak in the early months of COVID. Charles and Sandra Wilson After decades-long careers in government, Charles and Sandra Wilson looked at service in a different way. They felt called by God to deepen their understanding of their faith and began taking classes at the Institute of Christian and Jewish Studies. “When we heard others talking about their beliefs, we realized we didn’t know enough of our own beliefs and we decided to go to seminary,” Charles said. Both graduated from Faith Theological Seminary in May 2016 and began looking for places to minister. They came to GBMC to support Chaplain Joe Hart and because Charles was a grateful patient of Drs. Ron Tutrone and Rob Brookland. Today, they make pastoral care visits to inpatients, providing a judgment-free zone and a ministry of presence. They also minister beyond the walls of GBMC at placements throughout Baltimore City such as homeless shelters through Volunteers of America. “We are blessed by what we do here. A lot of times we go into rooms looking to encourage uplift and bless them and they do that for us,” Sandra said. Let’s meet Charles and Sandra! What is one word that would describe what volunteering means to you? Sandra: Caring and sharing Charles: An appreciation for God delivering me from a serious health crisis What is your favorite book? S: The Bible C: The Screwtape Letters because it reminds us we are constantly under spiritual attack What is the last gift you gave? S & C: The head contractor working on our house was having a baby, so we bought his wife a gift. The baby was born at GBMC, and part of the gift was from the GBMC Corner Shop! What was your favorite subject in school? S: Math C: Music and was taught by Mr. William Griggsby, and I still stay in contact with him. I talked to him this week! What do you do to decompress? S: The mountains or the beach and listen to music C: I play the piano. I love fishing and a glass of red wine works, too. Margaret "Marge" Thompson Margaret “Marge” Thompson worked for a vascular surgeon at then St. Joseph’s Hospital for 20 years before retiring in 2003. She started volunteering to give herself a sense of purpose and enrich her life, which has certainly been the outcome. In 20 years with the Volunteer Services Office at GBMC, Marge has served on the: GBMC Volunteer Auxiliary Board GBMC’s Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC) GBMC Health Partners PFAC GBMC Health Partners Quality Council Art of Nursing committee Prayer Shawl Ministries Nearly New Sale Marge has given GBMC so much of her time and talent, and she feels she has gotten just as much in return—lifelong friends and learning opportunities. For Marge, volunteering is mentally rewarding, gives her the ability to help others and feel appreciated. “GBMC shows appreciation to their volunteers,” she said. “I thank GBMC for all it has given me.” Let’s get to know Marge! What motivates you? Being with friends or colleagues What is your go-to song you could play over and over? My favorite song is Celine Dion’s “The Prayer.” I traveled to Vegas to see her. What is a treasured family recipe? My favorite special occasions meal was my mom’s sour beef. What is your favorite book? I love to read. “Genius on the Edge” was a favorite of mine. It’s a story of doctors starting Johns Hopkins.
The Pediatric Emergency Department (ED) at GBMC is one of many across the country facing a crisis. There are too many patients, and not enough beds. “There are 22 emergency departments in Baltimore County, and GBMC is the only fully dedicated community pediatric Emergency Department,” said Theresa T. Nguyen, MD, Chair of Pediatrics at GBMC. “The closure of the pediatric ED at Franklin Square in 2018 and UMMS—Upper Chesapeake in 2022 reduced the numbers of beds in the county significantly.” Dr. Nguyen said decisions to close pediatric units are usually made with the hospital’s bottom line in mind, but it’s the patients who suffer the most. “Pediatric departments are very seasonal, and sometimes, throughout the year, you could have an empty ward. Hospitals get rid of line items that lose them money,” Dr. Nguyen said. A combination of several factors has many pediatric emergency departments struggling to keep up with the patient load, and GBMC is no exception. “During the peak of illnesses in fall 2022, we had patients being evaluated in the hallway,” Dr. Nguyen explained. “There aren’t enough beds in the state, plus the ongoing nursing shortage, which leads to a congested ED.” She said the problem isn’t helped by the number of behavioral health patients who need to be boarded in the pediatric ED. “These are kids who may be suicidal or dangerous to their families. They’re waiting to get into an inpatient psychiatric program, and we are the last pediatric ED in Baltimore County, so they come here. If they need hospitalization, they stay with us while we look for beds for a psych inpatient unit,” Dr. Nguyen said. The problem is those beds are hard to come by. “We have 6 to 12 boarders at any time, and they’re usually here for at least a week or two,” Dr. Nguyen said. Sometimes, these young patients must stay a lot longer. One 14-year-old patient was in the GBMC Pediatric Emergency Department for 79 days. She suffers from severe depression and has tried to commit suicide on several occasions. But a complicating issue was a severe eating disorder, which exacerbated attempts to get her the help she needed. “We contacted 40 to 50 ped/psych units across the country, and she was turned down almost everywhere,” Dr. Nguyen said. “She hasn’t eaten food by mouth in over a year, and centers couldn’t take her in because she’s fed through a nasogastric tube.” To make room for this patient and others like her, Dr. Nguyen says they’ve had to get creative about where to house pediatric patients. “Boarding these kids is a need we’re meeting in our community, since there’s no one to take care of them but us, but we need money to keep the pediatric ED afloat,” Dr. Nguyen said. Dr. Nguyen is grateful for the generous donations from foundations and fundraising campaigns, but she said there is still a growing need to expand and better serve the children of Baltimore County. “We need solutions at a national level,” she pleaded. “Can we do something about this before we have a death here and people start to pay attention? Can we get some help for our kids?” To support the pediatric emergency department at GBMC, please visit GBMC.org/supportpediatrics.
Wayman Scott, MS, MTS, LGPC, Associate Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion at Gilchrist in Baltimore, uses his art and passions to share the history, prosperity and growth of the Black and African American history in Baltimore for Black History Month.
Fong Liu, MD, MPH, a gynecologic oncologist at the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC and assistant professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, wants more women to understand how their bodies work. "I think it's very important for women to understand their anatomy and the nuances of cancer diagnosis and treatment," she explains. She says this is especially true with uterine cancers like endometrial cancer, which makes up 90% of uterine cancer cases. "The endometrium is the lining of the uterus. One of the greatest risk factors of endometrial cancer is obesity," says Dr. Liu. "As rates of obesity rise, we've also seen a rise in this type of cancer." Obesity is a major risk factor for endometrial cancer because of how it affects two main hormones: estrogen and progesterone. Dr. Liu uses the analogy of growing grass to explain the role these hormones play in a cancer diagnosis. "I like to think about estrogen as a fertilizer and progesterone as a lawn mower. There is a hormone in our fat cells that increases the level of estrogen in our bodies, which causes the lining of the uterus to grow faster than the progesterone can keep up. This uncontrolled overgrowth then leads to cancer development." She adds that genetic factors are the other major risk factor for endometrial cancer, namely Lynch Syndrome, which is also associated with colon and ovarian cancer. "Endometrial cancer is generally diagnosed in women in their 60s and 70s, but if you have risk factors and experience abnormal uterine bleeding at a younger age, please see your gynecologist for an exam," Dr. Liu says. At this point, there are no general screening guidelines for endometrial cancer in the general population. "A biopsy done in the office can often make the diagnosis, and early diagnosis means we can hopefully remove it before it travels to other parts of the body." "There will always be exceptions, but for most endometrial cancers, minimally invasive surgery is all you need to treat it," Dr. Liu says. She adds that recovery depends on each person's cancer and what is found at the time of surgery, but many patients can go home the same day and recovery is straightforward. "The most common post-surgery symptom is fatigue, and most patients have it for several weeks," Dr. Liu says. Above all, Dr. Liu hopes normalizing conversations around gynecological cancers will encourage more women to take care of themselves before they get to the point of a cancer diagnosis. "When you take care of a woman, you take care of her whole family because they're traditionally the caregivers. But also because of that, they often forget about themselves." Dr. Liu's goal is to always support women by giving them a comfortable space to talk about their bodies. She encourages patients to get a second opinion if they feel like they aren't being heard. By creating space for women to look at and talk about their bodies openly, Dr. Liu says they will feel empowered to take better care of themselves on every level. "It hasn't been made okay to talk about these things. We need to make it okay."
